Spring Break
Lakers can't stay put with current dynasty
Marcus Floyd
Issue date: 6/27/02 Section: Sports
The Los Angeles Lakers' sweep of the New Jersey Nets wasn't a championship series, it was evidence, compelling for those who make the case the Lakers are one of the greatest teams of all-time, for those reluctant to group these Lakers with the Celtics, Bulls or the Showtime Lakers.
It is safe to say they have a dynasty in place. But it is also safe to say all these teams dropped tremendously after retirements of Bird, Michael and Magic.
Being a Chicago Bulls fan, I know a dynasty can end as fast as a heartbeat.
What have the Lakers done to ensure winning when this ride is over?
Phil Jackson has, at most, three years left in him. He has stated he will not coach pass the age of 60 (he is currently 57).
Shaquille O'Neal will be bored if he wins another championship. And he has stated he will leave whenever Phil leaves.
Kobe Bryant does not like the role of being second, as everyone can see, and probably will leave upon request.
In three years, I do not see either of these key components being there.
That leaves the team with a core of Robert Horry and Derrick Fisher. If this is the situation, Magic Johnson will need to come out of retirement for a third time. Some people say if it is not broken, don't fix it. That is not true in handling a franchise.
They should learn from the Chicago Bulls' mistakes and start rebuilding while they are on top. The Bulls have been the worst team in the NBA the past three years after being on top all through the 90s.
The Lakers' future is Kobe, but Kobe's future is not the Lakers. He is only 23 years old and has three NBA rings.
His main focus will be to accomplish individual goals, no more championships. The Lakers need to realize this and react quickly before they become victims of Kobe's MVP rage.
It is safe to say they have a dynasty in place. But it is also safe to say all these teams dropped tremendously after retirements of Bird, Michael and Magic.
Being a Chicago Bulls fan, I know a dynasty can end as fast as a heartbeat.
What have the Lakers done to ensure winning when this ride is over?
Phil Jackson has, at most, three years left in him. He has stated he will not coach pass the age of 60 (he is currently 57).
Shaquille O'Neal will be bored if he wins another championship. And he has stated he will leave whenever Phil leaves.
Kobe Bryant does not like the role of being second, as everyone can see, and probably will leave upon request.
In three years, I do not see either of these key components being there.
That leaves the team with a core of Robert Horry and Derrick Fisher. If this is the situation, Magic Johnson will need to come out of retirement for a third time. Some people say if it is not broken, don't fix it. That is not true in handling a franchise.
They should learn from the Chicago Bulls' mistakes and start rebuilding while they are on top. The Bulls have been the worst team in the NBA the past three years after being on top all through the 90s.
The Lakers' future is Kobe, but Kobe's future is not the Lakers. He is only 23 years old and has three NBA rings.
His main focus will be to accomplish individual goals, no more championships. The Lakers need to realize this and react quickly before they become victims of Kobe's MVP rage.
